HISTORY ---- UNIT 1 – FRENCH REVOLUTION

LONG ANSWERS (Max 150 words)

Q1. Causes of French Revolution / Present Circumstances Responsible:

The French Revolution (1789) was caused by political, social, and economic inequalities. The absolute
monarchy under Louis XVI ignored the needs of the common people, while the clergy and nobility enjoyed
privileges. The Third Estate bore the burden of heavy taxes despite having no political power. Enlightenment
ideas questioning monarchy and promoting liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired the masses. Economic
hardships due to poor harvests, rising bread prices, and state bankruptcy further fueled unrest. The American
Revolution also inspired French citizens to seek change.
Q2. Events of the French Revolution:
The Revolution began with the Estates-General meeting in May 1789. The Third Estate formed the National
Assembly and took the Tennis Court Oath. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the
uprising. The monarchy was abolished in 1792, and Louis XVI was executed in 1793. The Reign of Terror
followed under Robespierre. After his fall, the Directory ruled, eventually giving way to Napoleon Bonaparte's
rise in 1799.
Q3. Legacy / Importance of the French Revolution:
The French Revolution introduced the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It inspired revolutions
across Europe and Latin America. Feudalism and monarchy were challenged, and democratic ideas spread. In
France, it led to the end of absolute monarchy and the rise of citizenship and secular laws. Worldwide, it
encouraged people to question traditional authority and demand equal rights. The Declaration of the Rights
of Man became a global symbol of human rights.
Q4. Role of Philosophers / Middle Class in Revolution:
Philosophers like Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire criticized absolute monarchy and promoted liberty,
equality, and democracy. Their writings inspired the educated middle class. The growing middle class
(bourgeoisie)—merchants, professionals, and lawyers—were economically strong but politically powerless.
Enlightenment ideas gave them a voice to demand reforms. They played a major role in forming the National
Assembly and shaping revolutionary goals.
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SHORT ANSWERS (Max 70 words)
1. Tennis Court Oath:
On June 20, 1789, the members of the Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly. They took an
oath on a tennis court not to disband until they had written a new constitution for France.
2. Reign of Terror:
The Reign of Terror (1793–1794) was led by Robespierre. Thousands were executed by guillotine, including
nobles and revolutionaries, for being “enemies of the revolution.”
3. Napoleon as Liberator:
Napoleon was called the Liberator because he spread revolutionary ideas across Europe and ended feudal
practices. However, he also became a dictator.
4. Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen:
It proclaimed freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to property, marking a turning point
in the fight for human rights.
5. Triangular / Slave Trade:
This was a trade between Europe, Africa, and America. European goods were exchanged for African slaves,
who were sold in America, and raw materials returned to Europe.
6. Fall of Bastille:
On July 14, 1789, angry Parisians stormed the Bastille prison. It was a symbol of royal tyranny and its fall
marked the start of the French Revolution.
7. Jacobins and Girondists:
Jacobins were radical revolutionaries led by Robespierre. Girondists were moderate republicans who wanted
slow change. They clashed during the revolution.
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VERY SHORT ANSWERS (30–40 words)
1. Women’s Versailles campaign:
It was held on October 5, 1789, when thousands of women marched to Versailles demanding bread and
forced the king to return to Paris.
2. National anthem of France and its writer:
The French national anthem is La Marseillaise, written by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle.
3. Who got the right to vote & their name:
Only men above 25 who paid taxes could vote. They were called “active citizens.”
4. When did French women get voting rights?
French women got the right to vote in 1944.
5. What is a Taille?
Taille was a direct land tax imposed on the peasants and common people in pre-revolutionary France.
6. Issued the Declarations:
(a) Declaration of Rights of Women: Olympe de Gouges
(b) Declaration of Rights of Man: National Assembly (France)
7. Two Indians impressed by French Revolution:
Tipu Sultan and Raja Ram Mohan Roy admired the ideas of the French Revolution.

UNIT 2 – LONG ANSWERS (Max 150 words)

Q1. Russia’s social, economic & political conditions before 1905:

Before 1905, Russia was an autocracy under Tsar Nicholas II. Socially, society was divided into nobles, clergy,
and peasants. Serfdom had been abolished, but peasants remained poor. Industrial workers faced long hours
and low wages. Economically, Russia was underdeveloped, with a growing working class in cities. Politically,
there were no democratic rights, and opposition was crushed by the secret police. The people demanded
reforms, but the Tsar remained rigid. These conditions led to widespread unrest.

Q2. Events and effects of February Revolution 1917 / End of Tsar’s Rule:
The February Revolution began with strikes and food riots in Petrograd. Soldiers joined the protesters. The
Duma refused to disband and formed a Provisional Government. The Tsar abdicated on March 2, 1917,
ending centuries of Romanov rule. The immediate effect was the establishment of a dual power system—
Provisional Government and Soviets. This marked the end of monarchy and a step toward communist rule
under the Bolsheviks later in October.

Q3. Compare various political ideas in 19th-century Europe:

Three major political ideas prevailed:

Liberalism supported individual rights, representative government, and free markets.

Conservatism aimed to preserve monarchy, social hierarchy, and tradition.

Socialism focused on workers’ rights, state control of resources, and ending inequality.
While liberals wanted limited governments, conservatives resisted any change. Socialists, inspired by Marx,
believed in class struggle and revolution. These ideologies often clashed, especially during revolutions and
world wars.

Q4. Impact of First World War on Russia:

World War I devastated Russia. It strained the economy, led to food shortages, and exposed the inefficiency
of the Tsarist regime. Millions of soldiers died or were wounded, and public anger grew. The army was poorly
equipped, and defeats lowered morale. The war discredited the monarchy, created political instability, and
contributed directly to the 1917 revolutions. It also gave rise to revolutionary leaders like Lenin and
movements like the Bolsheviks.

Q5. Problems of the Weimar Republic:

The Weimar Republic faced many problems. It was blamed for signing the humiliating Treaty of Versailles.
There was political instability, economic crisis due to reparations, and hyperinflation in 1923. Right-wing and
left-wing uprisings threatened the government. The Great Depression in 1929 caused mass unemployment,
weakening faith in democracy. Extremist parties like the Nazis gained support by exploiting the situation and
promising strong leadership and national pride.

Q6. Main aspects of Nazi thoughts:

Nazism was based on extreme nationalism, racial purity, and anti-communism. It believed in the superiority
of the “Aryan” race and wanted to eliminate Jews, Slavs, and other “inferior” races. Nazis rejected democracy
and believed in a totalitarian state led by a powerful leader (Führer). They promoted militarism, expansion of
German territory (Lebensraum), and traditional gender roles. Nazi ideology was deeply rooted in hatred and
propaganda.

Q7. Role of women in Nazi society & compare with French Revolution:
In Nazi Germany, women were encouraged to become mothers and homemakers, focusing on family and
racial purity. They were excluded from politics and careers. In contrast, during the French Revolution, women
actively participated in protests and demanded equal rights, like voting and education. However, their
demands were largely ignored. In both cases, women played significant roles but were ultimately denied
equality.

Q8. How Nazi state sought total control over people:

The Nazi state used propaganda, surveillance, and violence to control people. The Gestapo (secret police)
spied on citizens. The media and education were tightly controlled. Opponents were sent to concentration
camps. Hitler used the Enabling Act to pass laws without parliament. Youth were indoctrinated through Hitler
Youth and League of German Girls. Fear, censorship, and loyalty to Hitler helped enforce complete
obedience.

Q9. Why Nazism became popular by 1930:

Nazism gained popularity due to economic crisis, unemployment, and fear of communism. The Weimar
Republic was seen as weak. Hitler promised jobs, national pride, and revenge for the Treaty of Versailles. His
powerful speeches, propaganda, and support from industrialists and the military helped the Nazi party grow.
People wanted stability and strong leadership during crisis.

Q10. Why Nazi propaganda created hatred for Jews:

Nazi propaganda blamed Jews for Germany’s defeat in WWI, economic troubles, and moral decay. They were
portrayed as enemies of the state, greedy, and unpatriotic. Schoolbooks, films, posters, and speeches spread
antisemitism. This constant brainwashing created widespread hatred and justified brutal policies like
exclusion, violence, and the Holocaust.

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SHORT ANSWERS (Max 70 words)

1. Ideology of Karl Marx:

Karl Marx believed that history is driven by class struggle. He called for the working class (proletariat) to
overthrow the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and establish a classless, socialist society where the means of
production are owned collectively.

2. Constitutional Monarchy & Bloody Sunday:

On Bloody Sunday (1905), peaceful protesters were shot by the Tsar’s troops. It sparked unrest, forcing the
Tsar to allow the formation of a Duma, creating a limited constitutional monarchy.

3. Events of October Revolution:

Led by Lenin and the Bolsheviks, the October Revolution overthrew the Provisional Government in November
1917. Bolsheviks took control of Petrograd, dissolved the Duma, and established communist rule.
4. Lenin’s Thesis:
Lenin’s April Theses demanded immediate peace, transfer of land to peasants, power to Soviets, and
withdrawal from World War I. It laid the foundation for the Bolshevik Revolution.

5. Bolsheviks vs Mensheviks:
Bolsheviks believed in a small, disciplined revolutionary party. Mensheviks supported a broad, democratic
party and gradual reform. Bolsheviks wanted immediate revolution; Mensheviks favored cooperation.

6. Stalin’s Collectivisation:
Stalin forced peasants to give up private farms and join large collective farms (kolkhoz). It aimed to increase
grain output but led to famine and resistance.

7. Effect of Socialist Revolution on World:

Socialist ideas inspired workers and anti-colonial movements globally. The Russian Revolution influenced
China, Cuba, and Vietnam. It challenged capitalism and created ideological conflicts.
8. Three ways socialist ideas spread:
Socialist ideas spread through:
1. Workers’ movements and strikes
2. Political writings of Marx and Engels
3. Russian Revolution and Comintern propaganda

9. Conditions of Treaty of Versailles:

Germany had to accept war guilt, pay reparations, reduce its army, give up territories, and lose colonies. It
created resentment in Germany.

10. Nazi ideology & youth:

Nazi youth were taught racial purity, obedience to Hitler, and hatred for Jews. Education focused on military
training, nationalism, and loyalty to the Führer.

11. Concentration camps & Hitler’s motives:

Camps were used to imprison Jews, political opponents, and minorities. They helped Hitler eliminate dissent
and carry out racial policies like genocide.

12. Tripartite Treaty & its importance:

Signed in 1940 between Germany, Italy, and Japan, it formed the Axis Powers in World War II, strengthening
military cooperation among them.

13. Enabling Act speciality:

Passed in 1933, it allowed Hitler to make laws without the parliament. It gave him absolute power, ending
democracy in Germany.
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VERY SHORT ANSWERS (30–40 words)

1. Who were Kulaks?

Kulaks were wealthy peasants in Russia who resisted collectivisation. Stalin considered them enemies and
many were killed or sent to labor camps.

2. What is a lock-out?
A lock-out is when factory owners close the workplace to prevent workers from working, usually during
disputes.

3. What do you mean by kolkhoz?

Kolkhoz was a collective farm in Soviet Russia where land and resources were pooled and shared by farmers.
4. USSR disintegration year, full form & last leader:
USSR disintegrated in 1991. Full form: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Last leader: Mikhail Gorbachev.

5. What do Reds, Green, and White signify?

Reds = Bolsheviks,
Whites = Tsarists,
Greens = Peasants or Socialist Revolutionaries during Russian Civil War.

6. Revolutionary groups in Russia:

Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and Socialist Revolutionaries were key revolutionary groups during the Russian
Revolution.

7. Incident that started WWII:

World War II began with Germany’s invasion of Poland on 1st September 1939.

8. Thoughts of Darwin & Herbert Spencer:

Darwin gave the theory of evolution by natural selection. Spencer applied it socially as “Survival of the
Fittest,” influencing racist ideologies like Nazism.

Geography
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LONG QUESTIONS (Max 150 words)

1. Location and Expansion of India:

India is located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. It lies between 8°4'N to 37°6'N latitude and 68°7'E
to 97°25'E longitude. It stretches 3,214 km from north to south and 2,933 km from east to west. India has a
total land boundary of 15,200 km and a coastline of 7,516.6 km. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) passes almost
through the middle. It is bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Its central
location in the Indian Ocean gives it strategic and commercial importance.

2. Influence of Latitudinal and Longitudinal Location on Day & Time (Standard Meridian):
Due to its wide longitudinal extent, the sun rises in Arunachal Pradesh about 2 hours earlier than Gujarat.
However, to maintain uniformity, 82°30'E is taken as the Indian Standard Time (IST). This central meridian
passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. Latitudinally, India’s north-south stretch results in moderate to
tropical climate variations and affects the length of day and night across regions.

3. Physiographic Division of Northern Hilly Region:

The Northern Hilly Region or the Himalayas is divided into three parallel ranges:

Himadri (Greater Himalayas): Highest range, includes Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga.

Himachal (Middle Himalayas): Known for valleys like Kashmir and hill stations like Shimla.

Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas): Youngest range, includes narrow valleys called 'Duns'.
These ranges run from west to east and protect India from cold winds and foreign invasions while influencing
monsoon patterns.

4. Physiographic Division of Peninsular Plateau (with pictorial form):

The Peninsular Plateau is a triangular landmass made of old crystalline rocks. It includes:

Central Highlands (north of Narmada River): Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand.

Deccan Plateau (south of Narmada): Bordered by the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Chotanagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. It is rich in minerals and has black and red soil.
(Pictorial form will be shown in a labeled map if needed)

5. Northern Plains of India & Divisions (with map):

The Northern Plains were formed by the deposition of alluvium from the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra
rivers. They are fertile and densely populated.
Divisions:

Punjab Plains (Indus tributaries)

Ganga Plains (Uttarakhand to Bengal)

Brahmaputra Plains (Assam)

They are further divided into:

Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, Khadar based on elevation and fertility.

(Divisions can be shown on an outline map)

6. What is a Drainage System? Describe the Himalayan River System:

A drainage system refers to the network of rivers and streams in an area.
The Himalayan River System includes:

The Indus System: Originates in Tibet, includes Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.

The Ganga System: Originates from Gangotri (Bhagirathi), joined by Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gandak, Kosi.

The Brahmaputra System: Originates in Tibet as Tsangpo, enters India (Arunachal Pradesh), and Bangladesh
as Jamuna.
These rivers are perennial, fed by rain and snow.
(To be plotted on a map as requested)

7. Rivers as Useful and Economic Resources – Explain with 5 Examples:

Rivers provide:

1. Irrigation – Major support for agriculture in Ganga and Krishna basins.

2. Drinking Water – Rural and urban populations depend on river water.
3. Hydroelectricity – Dams like Bhakra Nangal generate power.
4. Navigation – Rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra are used for inland transport.
5. Fishing and Livelihood – Provide food and jobs in deltaic regions.
They also hold religious and cultural importance in India.
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SHORT QUESTIONS (Max 70 words)

1. Significance of India’s central location in the Indian Ocean:

India’s central location in the Indian Ocean enables strong trade links with West Asia, Africa, and Southeast
Asia. It serves as a strategic point for maritime trade routes and naval presence.
2. Island Groups of India:
India has two major island groups:
Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal (volcanic origin)
Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea (coral origin)
3. Difference between Western and Eastern Ghats:
Western Ghats are continuous, higher, and cause more rainfall; Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and lower.
Western Ghats face the Arabian Sea, while Eastern Ghats face the Bay of Bengal.
4. Why the sun rises earlier in Arunachal but time remains same:
Arunachal Pradesh is ahead longitudinally, so the sun rises earlier. But India follows a single standard time
(IST, 82°30′E), hence all clocks show the same time.
5. Man-made lakes vs Natural lakes:
Man-made lakes are created by damming rivers (e.g., Gobind Sagar). Natural lakes form naturally through
glaciers, tectonic activity, or volcanic craters (e.g., Dal Lake).
6. Brahmaputra has less silt in Tibet:
In Tibet, the Brahmaputra flows through a dry, cold region with a gentle slope, causing less erosion. Thus, it
carries less silt than in its Indian course.
7. Namami Gange Project:
Launched in 2014, it’s a flagship program to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River. It includes sewage
treatment, river surface cleaning, and community awareness.
8. Types of lakes in India with examples:

Tectonic: Wular Lake

Glacial: Dal Lake

Man-made: Gobind Sagar

Volcanic: Lonar Lake

Lagoon: Chilika Lake

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VERY SHORT QUESTIONS (30–40 words)

1. Tropic of Cancer passes through:

It passes through 8 states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and
Mizoram.
2. Neighbouring countries & dividing line:
India shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The Radcliffe Line
divides India and Pakistan.
3. Southernmost point & reason for submergence:
Indira Point in Great Nicobar is the southernmost point. It was submerged due to the 2004 tsunami.
4. Year of Suez Canal opening & distance reduced:
Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal reduced the distance between Europe and India by about 7,000 km.
5. Princely state vs Province:
A province was directly ruled by the British; a princely state was ruled by Indian kings under British control.
6. What is a water divide?
A water divide is a highland that separates two drainage basins. Example: Ambala divides Ganga and Indus
systems.
7. Ganga and Brahmaputra in Bangladesh:
In Bangladesh, Ganga is called Padma and Brahmaputra is called Jamuna.
8. Heaviest rainfall place & fame:
Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the heaviest rainfall and is famous for being the wettest place on Earth.
9. India’s only active volcano:
Barren Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands hosts India’s only active volcano.
10. Five major mountain passes of India:

1. Nathula
2. Shipki La
3. Zoji La
4. Rohtang Pass
5. Banihal Pass